President William Ruto has announced that German football giants Bayern Munich will face Dutch powerhouse Ajax Amsterdam on January 5, 2027, during the official opening of the new Raila Odinga International Stadium in Nairobi.

The announcement was made on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, with the high-profile fixture expected to attract football fans from Kenya and beyond.

The 60,000-seater facility, located along Ngong Road in Nairobi, is part of Kenya’s major sports infrastructure projects ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which the country will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.

According to Ruto, the opening match will bring together two of Europe’s most celebrated football clubs, giving Kenyan supporters an opportunity to watch the international sides compete on home soil.

The President also linked the stadium’s name to the legacy of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing him as a football enthusiast who enjoyed watching matches alongside ordinary fans.

The new stadium features a hybrid playing surface, video assistant referee (VAR) technology, goal-line technology and 52 hospitality skyboxes. These facilities are designed to support major international sporting events.

Ruto said the opening ceremony would be supported through corporate partnerships, with the government seeking a commercially sustainable model for operating the facility.

The Bayern Munich versus Ajax encounter is expected to place Nairobi in the international football spotlight as Kenya steps up preparations for AFCON 2027.

The match will also offer an opportunity to showcase the country’s growing sports infrastructure ahead of the continental tournament.

Further details about ticket sales and match arrangements are expected to be announced later.